The U.S. unemployment rate crept up to 4.4% in September from 4.3% in the prior month and touched a four-year high, but it wasn't all bad news. An estimated 470,000 people entered the labor force in September,

The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.4% in September, the BLS reported Thursday. That's a bit higher than the 4.3% logged in August and higher than economists’ expectations that unemployment would remain unchanged,

Williams said he expects the central bank can continue to lower rates – after delivering two consecutive quarter-point cuts – because labor market weakness still poses a bigger threat than

U.S. job growth accelerated in September, but the unemployment rate increased to a four-year high of 4.4% and the economy in August shed jobs for the second time this year as employers navigate an uncertain environment.

Federal Reserve officials are heading into their next meeting with an incomplete picture of the labor market. The September jobs report is due Thursday.

National University has revealed the college majors that carry the lowest unemployment rates according to a new data analysis report. STEM and health care fields dominated the top rankings, with eight STEM majors and two health care majors making up half of the top 20 positions.

Government data suggests an elevated unemployment rate in October as an uncertain economic environment discouraged hiring.